Beyond Borders Scotland Podcast

In this week’s episode we join the BBC’s In Our Time host, Misha Glenny, talking to historian and Atlantic correspondent, Timothy Ryback, about his latest best-selling book, 53 Days: How Hitler Dismantled a Democracy, concerning the collapse of the Weimar Republic, and Tim Phillips, conflict resolver and founder of Boston-based Beyond Conflict, about its possible parallels with and for America under Trump.

Featuring:

Misha Glenny
Timothy Ryback
Tim Phillips

More From Timothy Ryback:

(2026) 53 Days: How Hitler Dismantled a Democracy (Grove Press) at:
https://grovea...

This week's podcast features a blistering lecture delivered by celebrated historian, William Dalrymple, about Britain’s historic responsibility towards Palestine and its people. The lecture explores the impact of the Balfour Declaration of 1917 and Britain’s conduct in Palestine during the inter-war years leading to the creation of Israel and the Nakba in 1948. The lecture was given in partnership and supported by the British Palestine Project.

Featuring:

William Dalrymple

More From William Dalrymple:
Empire podcast at:
https://empirepoduk.com

Website and books at:
https...

After another crazy year in politics cultural broadcaster Kirsty Lang conducts a light-hearted news review of the issues making the headlines - and which are likely to do so in the coming months, from the UK under new British prime minister Andy Burnham onto global issues like AI, Trump, Iran and Gaza. With Jeremy Corbyn, Lyse Doucet, the BBC’s chief international correspondent, and Peebles High School student, Dawa Murray.

Featuring:

Kirsty Lang
Jeremy Corbyn
Lyse Doucet
Dawa Murray

More From Lyse Doucet:
(2026) The Finest Hote...

Scotland’s leading international charities are working together to support some of the world’s most vulnerable communities. Join to hear highlights from the Scottish Government’s Humanitarian Emergency Fund (HEF) annual report.

Featuring:

Noor al Naser
Frances Guy
Val Brown
Nadeem Baqir

Audio Editor: Aedan Wilson

In this episode, listen to a discussion about the pivotal role women play in peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and mediation from a Beyond Borders Scotland (BBS) panel at the Edinburgh International Book Festival 2025. 

Speaking are selected Alumnae from the Women in Conflict 1325 Fellowship, a unique training and networking programme which is run by BBS in partnership with the University of Edinburgh Law School. These are Noor al Naser, a former United Nations diplomat from Iraq who has extensive experience in counter-terrorism, mine action, and programme management and now works for Beyond Borders Scotland; Ameya Kilara, a senior lawyer a...

Former cellmate of Nelson Mandela and PM of the Western Cape, Ebrahim Rassol talks with his co-authors, Dr Houda Abadi and Mark Muller Stuart KC, about their new book, A Guide to Islamic Principles of Peace-Making, and why they are needed more than ever as we confront ever greater cycles of conflict. Swedish diplomat, Eldridge Adolfo, asks the questions.

Contemporary peace-making frameworks deployed by global conflict resolution institutions and experts, have had mixed results in Muslim-majority countries and regions, affected by violent conflict. This new guide aims to address this by paying attention to critical contextual issues...

In this week’s podcast veteran peacemaker, Monica McWilliams, author of Stand Up, Speak Out, joins former UN Assistant Secretary-General, Andrew Gilmour, author of The Burning Question: Climate and Conflict - why Does it Matter? and Dr Roxani Krystalli from St Andrews University at the Edinburgh International Book Festival in partnership with Beyond Borders. Where they reflect upon climate, conflict and the state of our troubled world and what we have to do to make more safe, secure and just. 

Featuring:

Monica McWilliams
Andrew Gilmour
Dr Roxani Krystalli

...

In this week’s podcast Mark Muller Stuart KC talks to veteran United Nations diplomat Staffan de Mistura at the Edinburgh International Book Festiva who reflects on his remarkable 50-year career in international diplomacy and conflict mediation for the UN in places like Sudan, Bosnia, Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria.

Featuring:

Mark Muller Stuart KC
Staffan De Mistura

Beyond Borders Scotland: https://www.beyondbordersscotland.com

Audio Editor: Aedan Wilson

Join veteran BBC broadcaster, Jim Naughtie, as he talks to Steve Crawshaw, former UK head of Human Rights Watch and author of Prosecuting the Powerful, alongside Derek Goldman, director of the Centre for Global Performance and Dialogue at Georgetown University, and the Noor Al-Naser, programme manager of the Scottish Peace Platform, about their work and the state of the world in the era of Trump. New York theatre director, Irina Kruzhilina, introduces students from Peebles High School who bring the festival to close with their rendition of a New Declaration of Human Rights with its own unique young persons...

Join Ambassador Nirupama Rao and Ambassador Riffat Masood alongside senior journalists Maya Mirchandani and Nasim Zehra as they discuss Indo-Pak relations after the recent escalation, the role of women in the peace process, and the space for peace in the changing global environment.

Featuring:

Ambassador Nirupama Rao
Ambassador Riffat Masood
Maya Mirchandani
Nasim Zehra
Allan Little

Beyond Borders Scotland: https://www.beyondbordersscotland.com

Audio Editor: Aedan Wilson

Listen as former First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon talks to Sigrid Van Aken, CEO the Postcode Lottery Group, about it's remarkable rise to become the world’s third biggest philanthropic funder of good causes and Chris Lockyear, the Médecins Sans Frontières Supremo, as he reveals the truth about the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, Gaza and beyond. Together they consider the impact of recent US and UK aid cuts and what we can all do to help relieve the suffering of civilians as well as to build a more peaceful, vibrant and less afflicted world.   

F...

Listen as Former First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, lifts the lid on her remarkable life as one of Scotland’s leading politicians in the 21st century as she recounts her journey from working-class Ayrshire to Bute House, in her candid memoir, Frankly.

Featuring:

Nicola Sturgeon
Allan Little

Beyond Borders Scotland: https://www.beyondbordersscotland.com

More From Nicola Sturgeon:

(2025) Frankly (Pan Macmillan) at:
https://www.panmacmillan.com/authors/nicola-sturgeon/frankly/9781035040216

Audio Editor: Aedan Wilson

Listen to legendary literary agent, Clare Conville, as she talks to novelist and journalist, Phoebe Greenwood, about her recent novel, Vulture, a fast pace, darkly funny heart wrenching satire that tears through the guts of the war-news industry. 

Featuring:

Phoebe Greenwood
Clare Conville

Beyond Borders Scotland: https://www.beyondbordersscotland.com

More From Phoebe Greenwood:

(2025) Vulture (Europa Editions UK) at:
https://www.europaeditions.co.uk/book/9781787705791/vulture

More From Clare Conville:

https://cwagency.co.uk...

Join Field Marshall Lord Richards as he talks to military historian Hew Strahan his book ‘Retreat from Strategy’, the recent UK Defence Review, the conflict in Ukraine, and success of British and western military interventions in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya and Syria, since his own victorious one into Sierre Leone in 2000.

Featuring:

Field Marshall Lord Richards
Hew Strahan

Beyond Borders Scotland: https://www.beyondbordersscotland.com

More From Field Marshal Richards:

David Richards, Julian Lindley-French (2024) The Retreat from Strategy (Hurst) at:
https...

Introducing Sam Dalrymple as he discusses his stellar new work, Shattered Lands: Five Partitions and the Making of Modern Asia, and new approaches to historical scholarship with Empire Podcast co-host, William Dalrymple, and Moin Mir, asking the questions. 

Featuring:

Sam Dalrymple
William Dalrymple
Moin Mir

Beyond Borders Scotland: https://www.beyondbordersscotland.com

More From Sam Dalrymple:

(2025) Shattered Lands: Five Partitions and the Making of Modern Asia (HarperCollins India) at:
https://harpercollins.co.uk/products/shattered-lands-five-partitions-and-the-making-of-modern-asia-sam-dalrymple?variant=54864084763003

Join Jeremy Corbyn MP as he talks about his extraordinary life as the most independent MP in the House of Commons and his ground breaking initiative to co-create a new party for the Left called Your Party. Oscar Guardiola Rivera explores why he continues to capture the imagination of young people as two local students, Ella Newton and Duncan Peppe, ask searching questions about his career and the future of British politics.

Featuring:

Jeremy Corbyn MP
Oscar Guardiola Rivera
Ella Newton
Duncan Peppe

Beyond Bo...

Peebles High School student Beth Lapsley cross examines Former First Minister of Scotland, Lord Jack McConnell, and Martin Griffiths, former UN Under Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, about their latest ventures to help save the world from further conflict and chaos. Mark Muller KC introduces the session. 

Featuring:

Beyond Borders Scotland: https://www.beyondbordersscotland.com

Audio Editor: Aedan Wilson

Catherine Maxwell Stuart introduces Professor Murray Pittock who paints a fascinating picture of John Buchan, author of The Thirty-Nine Steps, and a Scot who wasn’t just a literary legend, but a man who was well ahead of his time on issues that still resonate today from Scottish nationalism to the rights of indigenous peoples. Geoffrey Baskerville asks the questions.

Featuring:

Beyond Borders Scotland: https://www.beyondbordersscotland.com

More from Murray Pittock: https://murraypittock.com/ 

Audio Editor: Aedan Wilson

Listen to former First Minister, Humza Yousaf, in a dialogue about the future of Gaza and Palestine with current Palestine Ambassador, Husam Zomlot, who joins from the region, along with veteran Palestinian diplomat, Afif Safieh, and William Dalrymple, who explains why Britain bears a particular historic responsibility towards it.

Featuring:

This session is delivered in partnership with the Britain Palestine Project: https://britainpalestineproject.org

Beyond Borders Scotland: https://www.beyondbordersscotland.com

Hear more from William Dalr...

In this unique episode of the Beyond Borders Scotland Podcast, we bring you a compelling conversation with two former UN envoys, Staffan de Mistura and Stephanie Williams.

Hosted by Duncan Peppe, a student from Peebles High School, this episode marks the first ever youth led podcast recorded at the Beyond Borders International Festival in 2024. From the journey to peace negotiations to the personal toll of conflict resolution, this intergenerational dialogue offers rare insight into the human side of diplomacy,  all through the eyes of a young and curious host.

This episode is part of the B...

In this compelling episode of the Beyond Borders Scotland Podcast, we revisit an urgent and unflinching discussion recorded live at the Beyond Borders International Festival. Professor Sir Geoff Palmer is joined by historian William Dalrymple and journalist Alex Renton for a wide-ranging conversation that interrogates Scotland’s role in the legacies of slavery and empire, and how their repercussions are still felt today.

The panel unpacks how racial hierarchies were constructed to justify economic exploitation—from the chattel slavery of the Caribbean to the looting of the Indian subcontinent under the East India Company. Geoff Palmer’s perspe...

Step into the heart of ancient civilisations with celebrated historian and bestselling author William Dalrymple CBE, as he explores the remarkable legacy of India in his latest book, The Golden Road. In this thought-provoking lecture recorded live for Beyond Borders Scotland, Dalrymple charts the monumental influence of India’s religious, artistic, and economic power across Asia and beyond.

From the towering stupas of Sri Lanka to the Buddhist cave temples of China, The Golden Road reveals how Indian ideas, aesthetics, and institutions travelled along ancient trade routes, transforming entire cultures. In this episode, Dalrymple examines the origins an...

Join us on this poignant episode of the Beyond Borders Scotland podcast as we explore stories of survival, justice, and reconciliation in the aftermath of some of the most devastating conflicts of recent times. Hosted by David Hamilton, trustee of the Scottish educational charity Beyond Srebrenica, this episode delves into the horrors of the Srebrenica genocide and the ongoing efforts to address its aftermath through educational initiatives and partnerships.

David introduces Nedzad Avdic, a survivor of the Srebrenica massacre, who shares his harrowing escape from execution and his life thereafter. Nezhad’s testimony not only recalls the tr...

Join veteran BBC broadcaster Jim Naughtie as he converses with the ever-entertaining Miriam Margolyes in an unfiltered dialogue about her illustrious career and vibrant personal anecdotes. This episode offers listeners a unique opportunity to hear Miriam’s candid reflections and humorous tales from her diverse experiences both on and off the screen.

Miriam, known for her roles across stage and screen and her one-woman show, "Dickens’ Women," discusses the nuances of her performances and the stories behind her most beloved characters. Jim probes into the depth and breadth of Miriam's career, revealing the passion and perseverance that have...

In this compelling episode, Allan Little, an esteemed journalist, engages in a profound discussion with Humza Yousaf, Scotland's former First Minister, about his pivotal year in office. This conversation provides a unique personal insight into the challenges and triumphs faced by Humza Yousaf, including his management of national and personal issues against the backdrop of an increasingly complex global landscape.

From his experience following Nicola Sturgeon to navigating the impacts of global crises such as the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which affects his family personally, Humza offers an insider’s view on leadership in turbulent times. This ep...

In this compelling episode, BBC correspondent Kirsty Lang engages with Aminatta Forna OBE in a profound discussion about identity and belonging in today's global landscape. They delve into what shapes us as "global souls" - is it a choice, or are we moulded by forces such as mass migration, rising nationalism, and the surge of populism? This conversation explores the intricate dance between personal identity and global citizenship in an increasingly interconnected world.

Featuring:

Find out more:

Beyond Borders S...

In this episode, introduced by Catherine Maxwell Stuart, join Ben Cowell OBE, Director-General of the Historic Houses Association, as he discusses his book, "The British Country House Revival." Historians Geoffrey Baskerville and Wessley Edmonds also explore captivating stories, including a revealing letter from the Traquair House archives that uncovers the life of an enslaved boy. Discover the enduring allure and complex histories of Britain's stately homes.

Featuring:

Ben Cowell OBE - Director General of the Historic Houses Association

Geoffrey Baskerville - Historian

Wessley Edmonds - Historian

...

In the light of the Scottish Parliament’s recent tribute to the remarkable Scottish politician that was Alex Salmond, after his untimely death on 12th October, this episode takes us back to a 2015 interview Salmond conducted with veteran BBC journalist, Jim Naughtie, in the wake of the vote on Scottish Independence, in which he talked about his life in politics, the phenomena that is Donald Trump, and why he felt impelled to write his memoir, The dream Shall Never Die, which recounts the 100 days leading up to the referendum from an insider’s perspective. The interview captures both Salmond’s irre...

In this episode of the podcast, join seasoned political commentators Steve Richards and Tim Phillips as they dive into the ramifications of the recent general election in Britain and the upcoming US Presidential elections. With their expert analysis, they explore how these political events will shape both nations' futures on the global stage.

Steve Richards, known for his sharp insights into British politics, and Tim Phillips, an expert in international relations and US politics, come together to offer a comparative analysis of the challenges and opportunities ahead for both countries. From election results to the political landscape...

On 22 August 2024, Martin Griffiths CBE, the former UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator (2021-24) delivered the Second Keynote Address of Scottish Global Dialogues at the Signet Library in the heart of enlightenment Edinburgh during the height of the 2024 Edinburgh festivals on the Conflict Crisis.

Scottish Global Dialogues is a joint annual initiative between Beyond Borders Scotland and the WS Society designed to shine a light on a global policy issue of concern to the public. Last year, Secretary John Kerry, gave the inaugural address on the climate crisis. This year Martin Griffiths r...

This episode of the Beyond Borders Podcast delves into the complexities of divided societies in places like Turkey and Gaza. Join Allan Little as he talks to Elif Shafak about her compelling book How to Stay Sane in the Age of Division with journalist Sarah Helm. 

Recorded live from the idyllic grounds of Traquair House during the Beyond Borders International Festival 2021, in this discussion its panel draws forth on the societal divisions which continues among countries suffering from civil unrest. 

Guests:

Allan Little: Award-winning Scottish journalist and presenter. Joining the BBC in 1983, he th...

This episode of the Beyond Borders Podcast is a compelling reflection on US politics and the role it plays in the world. Gain insight into thoughts on American politics through the minds of this varied panel of guests, all offering their own unique knowledge on the subject. Listen to Jim Naughtie as he speaks to Tim Phillips, Aminatta Forna and Oscar Guardiola- Rivera, and joined by Razia Iqbal later in the talk, for a detailed discussion on if there is such a thing as American exceptionalism.

Recorded live from the idyllic grounds of Traquair House d...

This episode of the Beyond Borders Podcast offers a rare and compelling look into British politics through the eyes of two of its key players from the Blair administration, Alastair Campbell and Jonathan Powell. Recorded live from the idyllic grounds of Traquair House during the Beyond Borders International Festival 2022, this discussion is not just a retrospective on their time in government but an insightful dialogue on the impact of Brexit, the challenges of mental health in politics, and the future of British governance.

Guests:

Alastair Campbell: Former Downing Street Director of Communications and S...

Join Jim Naughtie as he talks to Flora Fraser about the remarkable exploits of Flora MacDonald in both the Jacobite and American rebellions, as they discuss her new book Pretty Young Rebel: The Life of Flora MacDonald.

Find out more:

Beyond Borders Scotland: https://www.beyondbordersscotland.com/

Beyond Borders International Festival: https://www.bbintfest.com/

Pretty Young Rebel: The Life of Flora MacDonald:

https://www.florafraser.com/books/pretty-young-rebel-the-life-of-flora-macdonald/

Produced by FoSho STUDIOS

In this exciting episode, we are joined by the legendary author Irvine Welsh, best known for his groundbreaking novel "Trainspotting." Irvine sits down with host Oscar Guardiola-Rivera to discuss his latest novel, "The Long Knives." The conversation delves into Irvine's creative process, his inspirations, and the themes explored in his new book.

Find out more:
Beyond Borders Scotland: https://www.beyondbordersscotland.com/
Beyond Borders International Festival: https://www.bbintfest.com/
The Long Knives: https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/450924/the-long-knives-by-welsh-irvine/

Produced by FoSho STUDIOS

Join the godfather of investigative journalism, Sir Harry Evans, as he talks to veteran BBC broadcaster Jim Naughtie about his life, career and some of his most ground-breaking investigative work at the Sunday Times where he uncovered the truth about the thalidomide scandal, the breadth of Kim Philby’s treachery, and took on the Government and Official Secrets Act to publish the Crossman Diaries and change press freedoms in Britain forever. Harry also spills the beans about his momentous tussle with Rupert Murdoch as considers the threat posed by Donald Trump and his concept of a post truth world. 

Join us for an enlightening episode as Tina Brown, the legendary journalist and editor sits down with Former First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon. This candid discussion about Tina’s dynamic life in media was recorded as part of the Beyond Borders Festival and offers a unique glimpse into the personal and professional milestones of Tina Brown, from her transformative roles at Vanity Fair and The New Yorker to the creation of the Women in the World Conference.

Guests:

Tina Brown: Former editor of Vanity Fair and The New Yorker, founder of the Wom...

In this deeply moving episode of "War Stories: Ukraine 2024," Mark Muller Stuart KC hosts a gripping discussion with Colonel Pavlo Khazan and Petro Koshukov, who share their personal journeys from civilians to soldiers in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Recorded in the heart of Ukraine, this episode offers a raw, unfiltered look at the transformation ordinary people undergo during extraordinary times. Dr. Brivati sets the stage for this compelling narrative with his expertise in historical and contemporary political analysis.

Guests:

Col. Pavlo Khazan, Ph.D. Electronic Support Department, General Directorate of Electronic and C...

Explore the pressing issues of identity, belonging, and the complexities of migration with philosopher and author Oscar Guardiola-Rivera and celebrated writer Dina Nayeri. This episode centres around Nayeri's thought-provoking works and her latest book, "Who Gets Believed? When the Truth Isn't Enough," delving into the narratives of migrants and the question of credibility in today's society.

Guests:

Oscar Guardiola-Rivera: A philosopher and author, engaging in a critical dialogue on global justice and human rights.

Dina Nayeri: Author of "Who Gets Believed? When the Truth Isn't Enough," offering profound insights into the m...

In this fascinating episode, join Angus Robertson MSP, a well-known Germanophile, as he delves into Germany's pivotal role in Europe and the cultural reinvention of Berlin. Featuring insights from author John Kampfner and esteemed German broadcaster Annette Dittert, this discussion highlights the unique aspects of German leadership, innovation, and culture that set it apart.

Guests:

Angus Robertson MSP: A prominent advocate for Scottish-German relations, exploring the depths of Germany's influence in Europe.

John Kampfner: Acclaimed author known for his works on Germany's global and European roles.

Annette Dittert: One o...